1-800-Flowers.com Inc (FLWS) Faces Rising Short Interest Amid Market Uncertainty, Analysts Forecast $9.00 Target Price

800-Flowers (FLWS) has seen a significant rise in short interest, with a record 68.4% of its free float held short. The stock has declined 38% YTD due to management withdrawing guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainty. Analysts forecast an average target price of $9.00, indicating a potential upside of 78.39% from the current price of $5.05.

800-Flowers (FLWS) has seen a notable rise in short interest, with a record 68.4% of its free float held short, according to recent data. This significant increase in short interest follows a period of macroeconomic uncertainty, which has led to a decline in investor sentiment. Over the past five trading days, the stock has seen a 1.4% increase, but on a year-to-date basis, shares have declined by 38%. This decline is attributed to management's decision to withdraw guidance, citing macroeconomic uncertainty as a primary factor [2].

Analysts have forecasted an average target price of $9.00 for FLWS, indicating a potential upside of 78.39% from the current price of $5.05. The high estimate is $12.00, while the low estimate is $6.00. The consensus recommendation from analysts is a "Hold" status, suggesting caution among investors [2].

Despite the challenges, FLWS has implemented several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing customer engagement and driving growth. The company has introduced a transformative long-term strategy called Celebrations Wave, which leverages advanced technologies to create a comprehensive ecosystem for deeper customer relationships. Adolfo Vela Gomez, the new CEO, and Henry Mori, the Chief AI and Transformation Officer, bring significant experience in leading consumer businesses and digital transformations. The company also plans to reduce costs by approximately $40 million annually, with $17 million in reductions already executed [2].

However, the third quarter of 2025 presented challenges, with a 12.6% decline in revenue due to macroeconomic pressures and declining consumer confidence. The implementation of a new order management system was mishandled, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and financial losses. The company recorded a non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charge, impacting earnings for the period [2].

As the next earnings season approaches, investors should keep an eye on FLWS. The stock has shown signs of insider buying, with Fund 1 Investments making 10 separate buys since mid-May, indicating that some executives believe the stock is undervalued. Analysts also give the stock a $7.50 price target, suggesting a potential upside of over 42% [3].

References:
[1] https://www.barrons.com/market-data/stocks
[2] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2926789/flws-stock-faces-increasing-short-interest-amid-market-uncertainty-flws-stock-news
[3] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/FLWS-Q/pressreleases/32866673/3-summer-stocks-with-insider-buying-and-analyst-support/